Generic name: Atenolol
Brand name: Tenormin
General Information:
Tenormin is beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic medications, e.g., epinephrine or adrenaline, on nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. Beta-adrenergic makes the heart to beat more rapidly, reduces the heart rate and is prescribed to treat abnormally rapid heart rhythms. Tenormin also lowers blood pressure.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Tenormin earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Tenormin to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:
- allergy to Tenormin, other foods, preservatives, dyes or medicines
- depression
- diabetes
- bronchitis, asthma, emphysema
- pheochromocytoma
- a thyroid disorder
- low blood pressure
- problems with circulation (such as Raynaud’s syndrome)
- a heart problem such as sick sinus syndrome, heart block, congestive heart failure, slow heart rate
- kidney, liver disease
- myasthenia gravis
How do I take this medicine?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Tenormin is taken orally with some water before meals or at bedtime. Take the doses on the rigid schedule.
Overdosage:
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions: severe dizziness, slow or shallow breathing, weakness, fainting or slow heartbeat.
What should be done if I missed the dose?
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.
Interactions may occur with:
- disopyramide (Norpace)
- amiodarone (Pacerone, Cordarone)
- a diabetes medication such as glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), insulin, chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), or metformin (Glucophage)
- allergy treatments (or if you are undergoing allergy skin-testing)
- medicine for asthma or other breathing disorders, such as bitolterol (Tornalate), albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), metaproterenol (Alupent), theophylline (Theolair, Theo-Dur), terbutaline (Brethine, Brethaire, Bricanyl)
- clonidine (Catapres)
- a heart medication such as reserpine (Serpasil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin)
- digoxin (Lanoxin, digitalis)
- stimulant medicines, cold medicines, diet pills
- an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil)
- guanabenz (Wytensin)
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
Which side effects can I perceive from this remedy?
Contact your physician immediately if you notice any of the following
Serious side effects:
- allergy like skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, hives, itching, difficulty breathing
- depression
- fainting, feeling light-headed
- swelling of your feet, ankles
- cold feeling in your hands and feet
- slow or uneven heartbeats
- loss of appetite
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
- nausea, low fever, stomach pain
- dark urine
- clay-colored stools
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Less serious side effects:
- tired feeling
- impotence, decreased sex drive, or difficulty having an orgasm
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- anxiety, nervousness
This list of side effects may be not complete, others may occur. Inform your medical practitioners about all side effects you experience.
Important Information:
Don’t take Tenormin in case you need to have any type of surgery. Inform your surgeon that you are taking Tenormin. Check your blood pressure regularly during treatment. It may be better to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss with your physician and inform him/her of your blood pressure readings. Avoid standing or sitting up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This lowers the dizzy or fainting spells risk. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks.
Storage:
Tenormin should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Tenormin out of the reach of children and away from animals.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.
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